DRC Good Friday - A Reflection

Good Friday in the DRC concluded in a worship service @ Sila's church.  There was nothing scheduled, but as we arrived,  people lingering about gathered inside.  There was a large contingent of children.  Sila said that they were part of the children's choir.  I asked if they could sing a song that he had written and the worship service began.  Although they sang in Lingala, I could feel the worship, the heart that was being expressed.

The service began after dark and was only illuminated by a few candles.  In the semi dark Kenyon and I were no longer white.  We were Africans.  Our skin had grown dark inside a dimly lit church.  We were the church, all equal brothers & sisters, w/ one Father.

Although i was weary from the journey, there was a sweet peace that washed over me.


PS.  This church of about 120 members was born out of literacy classes in the same structure.  Literacy classes continue as this church strongly proclaims the message of Jesus to it's community.

Africa Railway; Kibera, Kenya

Stretching from the Indian Ocean westward through Kenya to Uganda into the very heart of Africa, the African Railway connects half a continent. It also runs through the middle of a Nairobi slum by the name of Kibera. It’s estimated at 1 million residents and growing. The population includes migrants from rural areas seeking jobs and a better life. Most are disappointed. Others include refugees from Somalia, Sudan and Ethiopia.

Pictured next to the rail is Patrick Malassi, LEI's literacy partner on the ground coordinating with literacy centers in the heart of this community.

Emmaculee is a hairdresser in Lome, Togo.

Two yrs. ago Emmaculee could not read. Thanks to the LEI Mina Primer she is now able to read Gods word for herself.  She makes people beautiful on the outside and says she is becoming more beautiful on the inside because she can now read the Bible.






I asked her if she could make my beard look more beautiful. She said, "yes & I can make your eyebrows look better too".
My eyebrows need to look better?

Good Bye from a Malawi Literacy Center

Learning to READ in DRC

Flowers outside a literacy center & church in Malawi

Lome, Togo #churchparking Security pretending 2 b asleep.

Literacy coordinator - Musa & general secretary - James Coker #sierraleonebiblesociety

The Bus Ride - DRC

I was sitting in the back of a van / bus, on the back (5th?) row w/ the isle for my legs. It was kind of like flying first class or getting the emergency exit.  Windows wide open, no seat belts, no AC, no radio,  & no suspension in a 25+ yr. old Mercedes panel van.

Then the choir started to sing.  Ok,  part of the choir.  We had picked up 5 sisters in route to a  8 month old church plant that was born out of literacy classes in a very rural & impoverished area on the eastern edge of Kinshasa.   They sang w/ perfect harmony singing praise songs in Ingala (I think?).   It was so sweet I forgot how tired I was, as I  drifted into another world.

If heaven had a choir, they would be members.  If they weren't angels, they would qualify.  The music they made was more than soothing to the soul.  It was inspiring and relaxing at the same time.  It was an amazing respite in a very long, yet encouraging day.

God, thank you for this pause in your presence.

LEI Missionaries of Distinction

I was honored to give the keynote speech to distinguished guests at the literacy forum in Freetown, Sierra Leone.   I reflected about the Bible reading church in Korea, literacy programs around the world doing literacy their own way, and concluded w/ Luke 4:18.  I presented the award of LEI Missionary of Distinction to Gregory and asked a pastor to pray a blessing in their local language.   20 of the 40 persons present gathered around to lay hands upon Gregory & Agnes who were kneeling to receive the prayer.




I repeated similar presentations to LEI missionaries in Togo, DRC and Malawi.  All were sweet moments to honor those who had labored countless years w/out being recognized.  Receipients responded with surprise and appreciation, and in some cases with tears as they received recognition for a job well done.
 

Togo Clothes Dryer

Flight down in Brazzaville

After an hour delay on Ethiopian air because they couldn't find us in the system, our digital footprint finally emerged, we were through customs, security, and on our 2pm direct 4 hr flight to Addas, Ethiopia.   Approximately 10 - 15 min. into the flight I noticed some maneuvering followed by  a sudden decent w/out a word from the cockpit.  W/in minutes we were @ 1,000 feet AGL (above the ground).  This wasn't a significant cause for concern.  The engines sounded fine, although they were throttled back.   But then we were @ 500 feet above the ground.  I wenched my seat belt.  The pilot was landing the plane!  I saw nothing but jungle.  So much for making it to Ethiopia, much less Malawi on a timely basis.  I had never been part of a crash landing.  It was odd, no instructions to assume the crash position, no screaming from the cabin.

Everything was totally calm.  Normal except for the fact that we were on a 4 hr. direct flight and the pilot was landing the plane prematurely.  Then the airport appeared.  Praise God, we can make a normal landing.  I guess there was enough manuvoring to get back to Kinshasa.  Crisis averted, but w/ certain mechanical problems we might need to write off Malawi.  Oh well, were in Africa, things  happen, things change.    Then the announcement, " welcome to Brazzaville."   What!  We just flew from the DRC to the Congo?  I quickly rechecked my itinerary.  Nope, this shouldn't be happening.  O stops, 4+ hr flight.

They forgot to send us the email re: the updated schedule.  Maybe thats why we weren't in the system.  An hour later we were back in the air on the remaining direct 4+ hr flight to Addis.  By the time we found our beds we were  6 hrs away from our wake up call to make the shuttle back to the airport.

I am never flying Ethiopian air again.  What, it's the maiden flight from Addis to Blantyre via LiLongwe and they are giving me a free XXL golf shirt and cap?  You said something about a cake to celebrate?    Well maybe I can fly them again.  They did get us to Malawi as scheduled and I did lock in my itinerary 5 months in advance.  So what if they didn't send us the change notification.  It made for a good story.

God is good and in control.  Happy Easter!  Welcome to Malawi.

Thank you for your prayers - Africa New Reader Itinerary

Africa 2013:

Freetown, Sierra Leone - Arrive March 20, 2013;  Contacts: LEI Missionaries Gregory & Agnes Bangura, Sierra Leone Bible Society General Secretary

Lome, Togo - Arrive March 23;  LEI Missionary Daniel Awolou, Bible Society Missionary David Nabine

Libreville, Gabon - arrive March 26  (overnight)

DR Congo, Kinshasa - Arrive March 27;  LEI missionary Sila-Ndunda Nzongo 

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - Arrive March 30  (overnight) 

Malawi, Lilongwe - Arrive March 31; LEI missionary Maxwell Mpitanyanga

Kenya, Nairobi - Arrive April 3;  Partners in Literacy Ministry (PALM) Patrick Malasi, 

                           PALM Chairman of the Board Suji, Bible Society General Secretary

Tulsa - Arrive April 8

10 Years of Service

1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV) "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity"...

And in technology

It's hard to believe that Paul joined the LEI team, fixing all kinds of technology challenges, when he was in high school.  This gifted young man is responsible for keeping us current with many of the technological advancements our ministry has embraced over the past 10 years.  We thank him for setting up and/or maintaining such things as our server, the website, and our electronic mail delivery system, while patiently coaching those much older than him in the use of software and other technologies he has implemented or suggested.  While at the present time Paul serves part time with LEI, he is a valuable member of the LEI team, a godly example of a young man who uses the many talents the Lord has given for HIS service.  We are grateful for Paul's 10 years of service to at LEI.

posted by Christa

Directing our Path

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105

LEI Directors from around the world gathered this week to celebrate 2012 ministry successes

and cast vision for the year ahead.  

We thank the Lord for these dedicated literacy advocates who 

faithfully lead the way in sharing the message of Jesus Christ through the gift of reading.

posted by Christa

Prayer and Thanksgiving

...In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God... 

Philippians 4:6 (NIV) 

We are so very thankful for all who joined us, here in Tulsa and around the world, in our time of prayer and fasting last week.  May you receive many blessings as you continue to listen to our Lord through prayer.

posted by Christa

15 Years of Service

Georg Ort, LEI Director of Administration, was recently recognized for "fifteen years of faithful service and dedication to the ministry of Literacy and Evangelism International".  We are grateful for all the work Georg has done to allow things to run smoothly at the home office.  We wish him many fruitful years ahead as he moves into the ministry of Director of Europe.

50th Anniversary Celebration

50th Anniversary Celebration

What an honor it was to gather with Phil and Marjorie Truesdale, their many friends, and family to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary in Kansas City this past weekend.  When I asked Phil the secret of their success, he replied, "Learn to laugh and pray together, encourage development of individuality and always get the last word -- 'Yes Dear.'"  These are wise words from a couple that has a long term track record to prove it.

The event was filled with music, celebration, family, friends, food, fellowship, and a great appreciation for God's faithfulness.

I was especially blessed with this beautiful view of Tulsa as I prepared to make a night landing.

Merry Christmas 2012

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV

  Gift giving is an important part of our holiday celebration. The giver carefully considers the wants and needs of the recipient and tries to pick out the perfect surprise. We are so blessed when the receiver opens the present and his/her eyes glow with gratitude because we have chosen well, and he/she is pleased. The Rices are so grateful for the many gifts we have received this past year that fill us with joy.

The first gift for which we are thankful is the safe arrival of our first grandchild, Demma. Becky and Demma’s delivery was assisted by Sister-in-law Shelby, acting as Doula. This has created a special bond between these three ladies.  

We are thankful for the gift of meaningful work.  Sid is in his 7th year as Executive Director of Literacy and Evangelism International and is in his second year of Doctor of Ministry studies at Denver Seminary. Christa is in her 3rd year as LEI’s Publications Editor. You can read more about our ministry and those who share the message of Jesus Christ through the gift of reading by connecting to LEI’s website and Sid’s blog <https://www.literacyevangelism.org> or by reading Christa’s LEI newsletters which are posted on this site, under resources. We are thankful for the gift of our ministry partners who supply the financial and prayer support necessary for us to serve in ministry.  

The gift of  conscientious, diligent adult children is another thing for which we give thanks.  Philip and Becky’s most important role is being Demma’ parents, but they also lead a house church. Philip is a worship and prayer pastor, while Becky is the administrative assistant.  Their photography business is ChampaignAndBlush, and they sing together at weddings and other events with their band Visions of Choruses. 

Daniel and Shelby are gainfully employed. Daniel is a Customized Homes Cost Estimator, and Shelby is a Doula who instructs, supports, and encourages young moms during their pregnancies, labors, and deliveries. She also shares her skills with a crisis pregnancy outreach ministry. Daniel and Shelby also serve as house church pastors. 

David is working hard, finding success in his college studies.  He studies Computer Science and Math while doing web design and writing computer software on the side. He plans to finish his undergraduate degree Dec. 2013 and walk for his Masters in Computer Science May of 2014. 

Always a special gift to the guys, Sid, Philip, Daniel, and David, took a backpacking adventure in the Pecos Wilderness this summer.  They met with friends and spent six days of male bonding time, camping, fishing, and hiking along rocky wilderness trails.  

Christa is thankful for the gift of celebrating her parents’ 60th wedding anniversary with the siblings in September. They shared the gift of memories, by writing fond and funny family stories on colorful, cut out, paper hearts then giving them to the parents to read aloud at the family gathering. They laughed till they cried and cried till they laughed remembering “happy golden days of yore”.

We are grateful for the gift of so many other activities that enriched our lives. Christa enjoyed women’s Bible study and prayer circle, leading tutor training workshops, and gardening.  Sid enjoyed hunting trips and triathlons with the guys, and piloting an airplane.

We are so thankful for the precious gift of our family and friends.  We thank God as we remember each in our prayers and wish every good and perfect gift that comes from our Father in heaven. 

We thank God for the gift of His presence that we celebrate at Christmas.  He came to earth as Baby Jesus, born in Bethlehem.  He walked among us  as Emmanuel, God with us, and his Holy Spirit continues to walk with us each day as we invite him to do so.  Thanks be to God for this indescribable gift.    

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

posted by Christa      

  

ILTI Celebration Finale

LEI staff and ILTI graduates

ILTI Celebration Luncheon

Kirk of the Hills volunteers prepared a beautiful luncheon for our International Literacy Training Institute (ILTI) students in honor of their graduation achievement.

 Alice Rice (92 years young), wife of LEI founder Rev. Bob Rice, shared what a blessing it is to meet all the students who carry on her husband's life's work.

Thank you appreciations were given by Tedd Lodes (this year's ILTI coordinator) to the many staff members, teachers, and volunteers who made the five week event possible.  

Rev. Bob Beiderman (LEI North America Director) received an award commemorating his 20 years of faithful service.  Tedd Lodes (LEI Latin America Director), Rev. Sid Rice (LEI Executive Director) and Bob's daughter, Sarah, are present to share the moment with the LEI staff and ILTI students.

Friday Evening Graduation

 ILTI students Ted (far left) and Helena (far right) represented the students and spoke to those gathered, telling about the wonderful International Literacy Training Institute experience.

(pictured here are ILTI graduates Ted, Innocent, Tania, Funlola, and Helena)

 With a very encouraging message, Reverend Jim Lenderman, from Asbury United Methodist Church, Tulsa, challenged the students, with Matthew 25:14-21, to wisely use the talents with which the Lord has entrusted them.

 The graduates pause for a class photo.

(pictured left to right Ted, Innocent, Tania, Funlola, Helena, Faith, David, Emmanuel, Harold)

The graduation was hosted by LEI Board of Trustees Members Margie Scruggs (far left) and Julie Hughes (far right) at their church, Redeemer Covenant Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma.  We appreciate the act of kindness they bestowed on all of us.  There was tasty food, friendly fellowship and thought provoking table decorations.  

(pictured from left to right are Margie, Helena, Christa, Funlola, and Julie)

Can you guess the clever metaphor depicted by this table decoration?

"Church planting" 

The card says, "Growing God's Church one reader at a time, all to the glory of God."

"Neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth." 

1 Corinthians 3:7 (NASB)

posted by Christa